Late last night, we posted about the leaked Android 4.3 update for the Galaxy S III (GT-I9300), but now it’s official. Since this is a jump from Android 4.1.2, there are quite a few changes. Unfortunately Samsung didn’t offer a changelog, but SamMobile put together an extensive list. One thing to note is the absence of Samsung Knox, but that is expected with a future update. Also, the core UI has changed, but you will still find the old GSIII launcher and widgets.

As of now, the update is available to those of you in Ireland, but other countries will follow soon. You will be able to get the update via KIES or over-the-air. Only unlocked non-carrier versions are getting the update for now. Carrier branded versions will have to wait, hopefully not longer than a couple of months.

Amidst the buzz for Android 4.4 KitKat, there are many device owners out there who would be happy with the next best thing, Android 4.3. A test build of Android 4.3 for the Samsung Galaxy S III, a device that Samsung never bothered to update to Android 4.2, will be welcome news for those users who have not yet updated to a newer device.

According to those who have been using the test firmware, it is “very stable” though still subject to a few bugs. It appears Samsung has incorporated many of the improvements found in Android 4.3, especially the core UI improvements. However, at this point Samsung appears to still be using the original Galaxy S III launcher and widgets and they have not yet implemented Samsung Knox.

If you are interested in giving Android 4.3 a try on your Galaxy S III, hit the source link for the files needed and instructions on how to install the firmware update. Just keep in mind the update is not official and may be subject to problems. You should also note that the process of installing the update will wipe your device, so be sure to back up your data before attempting.

This time, we have images suggesting that Target will be offering a T-Mobile tie-up later this year, featuring “brightspot.”

This includes a $50 deal with unlimited talk/text, and 1GB of 4G data. The picture also shows a SIM kit, which can activate any unlocked compatible GSM phone, activate compatible Apple iPhone 4 and 4S, and includes both standard and microSIM.

This picture shows the Galaxy S III with the deal, but other devices are expected to come with brightspot, including the LG Optimus F3, LG Optimus F6, and the Lumia 521.

An official announcement has yet to come, but the news may come very soon considering the leaked information.

Most of today’s big news revolved around new devices, but there was some good news for those with the Samsung Galaxy S III and S4. Samsung announced that Android 4.3 will arrive for both phones in October. In addition, Galaxy Gear functionality will be added to the S4 with the update, which is scheduled to come out around the same time as the Galaxy Gear smart watch.

Of course, this also depends on when your carrier wants to give you the update.

Samsung’s Galaxy Note II will apparently be skipping its update to Android 4.2.2, which, at first, sounds really, really bad for a flagship device. However, there’s a silver lining; Samsung will reportedly just skip 4.2.2 and update the device straight to Android 4.3. With Samsung’s Google Play edition Galaxy S 4, they obviously have some inside access to newer versions of Android, so this isn’t too much of a stretch to believe.

As the summer solstice was drawing to a close, SamMobile released a leaked test version of Android 4.2.2 firmware for the Samsung Galaxy S III. According to sources, Samsung is still testing the Android 4.2.2 build and may still be in the process of adding features such as the Samsung Galaxy S 4‘s camera features. The official release of Android 4.2.2 for the Galaxy S III is expected some time in July or August. Read more

For those of you that may be affected, it’s recommended that you call Verizon and try to obtain a replacement device immediately. On the flipside— those of you who haven’t received the new build just yet, DON’T update just yet until a new fix has been put in place. Just saying.

According to SamMobile, who is generally extremely reliable with Samsung leaked information, Samsung is delaying the Android 4.2.2 update for both the Galaxy S III and the Galaxy Note II, citing issues with the newer version of TouchWiz in a tweet tonight. Granted, Samsung has some newer, less powerful devices rolling out with Android 4.2.2 on board, so whatever problem they’re having will definitely be fixed sooner rather than later, so I think we can still expect a timeline for the update within a few months. Getting the update to the phones through the carriers is another story, but at least Samsung will have done their part.

Samsung is a brand that prides itself on bringing innovative technology to its devices, so it should come as no surprise that it is bringing fingerprint technology to its devices. The gang at SamMobile got a tip from a Sammy insider showcasing some Galaxy S III firmware from the SecSettings .apk file. Within the file is clearly the early components of some sort of fingerprint tracking system. When Samsung plans on releasing its newfound technology remains to be seen, but there will be no doubt it’ll certainly generate excitement and buzz in the meantime.

Despite it aging at a fast rate (in Android years at least), the Galaxy S III smartphone is still one hell of a smartphone. So that’s why Samsung has been hard at work ensuring its most successful device to date will continue to receive prompt updates in order to keep things current. With that in mind— a leaked Android 4.2.2 firmware has surfaced for the unlocked variant of the device, courtesy of the fine folks at SamMobile. As expected, the leaked firmware is based off an incomplete version of the imminent update— but fortunately it appears that Samsung is pretty much done ironing out the bugs and should have the finished Android 4.2.2 build by the time June rolls around. Aside from the fact it is an incomplete version, the update does bring a ton of new goodies for the device including a new lockscreen, new S Voice, Driving Mode and a revamped Settings UI, among other things.

If you are a GT-I9300 owner and want more deets on the mouthwatering firmware, hit the break to grab the download link, as well as full instructions on how to flash the update to your device. Read more